The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Higher levels of fat or cholesterol in the blood (up to 79%)
- Headache (37%)
- Lower thyroid hormone level (29%)
- Feeling weak or tired (up to 20%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Rash or dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Infection
- Swelling in the arms, feet, or ankles
- Lower neutrophil counts in the blood
Bexarotene serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, back pain
- Liver problems: yellowing the eyes, yellowing of the skin, reduced appetite, unusual bleeding, bruising
Source: DailyMed
The following Bexarotene side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Since this medication is given in varying doses, the actual frequency of side effects may vary. In general, side effects are less common with lower doses than with higher doses.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Unusual tiredness or weakness
skin rash or other skin and mucous membrane lesions
increase in lipid or cholesterol levels
coldness, dry, puffy skin or weight gain
chills, cough, hoarseness, lower back or side pain or painful or difficult urination
swelling of the arms, feet, hands, or legs
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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